Škoda Motorsport will offer works support to 14-time Austrian Rally Champion Raimund Baumschlager for his firm’s program with the electric Škoda Kreisel RE-X1 it has developed.
The Baumschlager Rallye & Racing team originally developed the car independently with Kreisel Electric but, with the RE-X1 almost ready for competition, Škoda has now announced that it will assist with the project.
“The concept car Škoda RE-X1 Kreisel is an exciting combination of traditional and future-orientated technology,” said head of Škoda Motorsport Michal Hrabánek.
“We provided our best experience, based on developing already three generations of the rally-going Škoda Fabia.
“The concept car offers all the set-up possibilities of the latest generation Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo, but with a fully electric powertrain and I really believe rally fans will find such a combination truly interesting.”
The RE-X1 is based around a Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo chassis, but has been fitted with an electric motor that produces a peak power of 260kw and a maximum torque of 600Nm – considerably more than the standard 1.6-liter turbo petrol engine that the current Rally2 Fabia competes with.
As part of the new arrangement, Škoda has worked closely with Kriesel Electric during the homologation process for the RE-X1’s bodyshell so that it can compete in FIA-sanctioned events in the future, and the first chassis built by the manufacturer is in asphalt specification.
Prior to Škoda’s involvement with the project, Baumschlager had already completed over 2000 miles of testing with BRR, some of which was undertaken on gravel.
His team will continue to develop and run the RE-X1, while Škoda will be on hand to provide additional technical support.
The car is due to make its competitive debut in the Austrian Rally championship later this month at Rally Weiz.
